Human Rights Commission
New Zealand Disability Strategy Implementation Work Plan. 1 July 2005 – 30 June 2006
Introduction
The Human Rights Commission, an independent Crown Entity, champions fundamental human rights as a framework for a fair and just society for all the people of New Zealand.
The Human Rights Act sets out the Commission's functions:
- advocate and promote respect for, and an understanding and appreciation of, human rights in New Zealand society;
- encourage the maintenance and development of harmonious relationships between individuals and among the diverse groups in New Zealand society.
Section 7 of the Human Rights Act provides that the Commission shall consist of a Chief Commissioner, a Race Relations Commissioner, an Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Commissioner and five other part-time Human Rights Commissioners.
The Commissioners are responsible for governance of the organisation. The General Manager and staff are responsible for operations. This includes the implementation of Commission policies and all aspects of service delivery.
The Commission uses a range of activities to carry out its core functions, including providing human rights education, producing resources, inquiring into and reporting on human rights matters and resolving disputes relating to discrimination
1. Captioned movies
Desired Outcome
That deaf and hearing-impaired people can enjoy the same entertainment as other people through provision of captioned screenings.
Description
The Human Rights Commission has been working with Captioning Access New Zealand, the deaf community, and representatives of the film industry to establish regular national screenings of open captioned movies. Open captioned movies provide all elements of the audio soundtrack as text, presented in subtitles. The Commission’s role is to facilitate dialogue between these parties and to provide a human rights perspective on the issues.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
Greater numbers of new movie releases have screenings of open captioned prints throughout New Zealand (67% of new releases). Captioned screenings more closely follow the timing of new movie releases (within three weeks of initial release).
Links to strategy objective and action
Objective 9, Support lifestyle choices, recreation and culture for disabled people (Action 9.2)
2. Comprehensive and Integral International Convention on Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities
Desired outcome
The proposed UN Convention on the Rights and Dignity of Persons With Disabilities adopts a rights-based approach.
Description
The Human Rights Commission will continue to participate in meetings about the proposed UN Convention on the Rights and Dignity of Persons With Disabilities, as (1) as a member of the NZ delegation in meetings of the Ad-Hoc Committee discussing the convention (2) as a member of the Asia-Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions. Through its membership of the APF Working Group on Disability it will continue to contribute to submissions on the Convention for the Ad-Hoc Working Group.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
Participation in the August 2005 meeting in NY of the Working Group developing the draft text of the Convention. Participation in subsequent meetings to be arranged.
Links to strategy objective and action
Objective 2 Ensure Rights for Disabled People (Action 2.5)
3. Equipment and workplace modification for staff
Desired Outcome
Disability will not be a barrier to employment with the Human Rights Commission. The Commission’s ability and willingness to provide such accommodation is communicated internally and to potential employees.
Description
The Human Rights Commission provides equipment and workplace modification to meet reasonable accommodation requirements of disabled staff, including temporary and casual staff.
Links to strategy objective and action
Objective 4, Provide opportunities in employment and economic development for disabled people (Action 4.10)
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
The number of employment applicants who identify as having a disability increases. The number of staff who indicate they receive appropriate workplace support in relation to their disability increases. Measurement is by means of an annual EEO survey.
4. Human Rights Education – Tu Tikanga
Desired Outcome
Foster leadership and self-advocacy by disabled people.
Description
Tu Tikanga - Rights Now! is a Train-the-trainer education resource which was developed as a response to the inclusion of disability as a ground for unlawful discrimination in the HRA. The Tu Tikanga programme involves participatory workshops of disabled people and is delivered by the Commission in partnership arrangements with key disability sector stakeholders including People First and NZCCS. Recently, and in partnership with the National Advisory Group of the Like Minds Like Mine project, the Commission has piloted Korowhai Whaimana, an adaptation of Tu Tikanga for use by, and with, people with experience of mental illness.
Key objectives of the Tu Tikanga programme are awareness-raising and the achievement of a more equitable society for people with disabilities.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
Maintain on-going professional development & support of Tu Tikanga and Korowai Whaimana trainers through peer support and mentoring.
Conduct internal evaluation of Korowai Whaimana train the trainer model and resources by July 2006.
Links to strategy objective and action
Objective 2 Ensure Rights for Disabled People (Action 2.2)
5. Transport enquiry
Desired Outcome
There is greater accessibility to public land transport for disabled people.
Description
In September 2003 the Human Rights Commission announced it would be conducting a National Inquiry into the accessibility of public land transport for people with disabilities, using the Otago and Wellington regions as case studies. The Inquiry Report is expected to be published in October 2005.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
The Inquiry Report includes draft recommendations for changes to legislation, regulations, policies and procedures to make public transport more accessible. The Commission will undertake advocacy in support of its recommendations.
Links to strategy objective and action
Objective 8, Support Quality Living in the Community for Disabled People (Action 8.5)
6. Progressing the Multi-Agency Plan for Cooperation on Mental Health Anti-discrimination Activities
Desired Outcome
Counter discrimination against those who experience mental illness
Description
An Interagency Agreement between the Human Rights Commission, Mental Health Commission, Office for Disability Issues and the Like Minds Project, provides broad objectives for the progression of efforts to eliminate discrimination against people with experience of mental illness. These agencies have agreed to work together on cooperative sector-wide activities before the disestablishment of the Mental Health Commission in 2007.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
- Improving the discrimination complaints mechanisms for people who experience mental illness, in partnership with the Health and Disability Commission and the Mental Health Commission
- Contributing to the development and publication by the Mental Health Commission of a discussion paper on the recognition of advanced directives concerning future treatment
- Collaborating with the Mental Health Commission to clarify human rights issues around the use of seclusion
Links to strategy objective and action
Objective 1 Encourage and Educate for a Non-Disabling Society (Action 1.1)
Objective 4 Provide opportunities in employment and economic development for disabled people (Actions 4.3, 4.10)
Objective 6 Foster an Aware and Responsive Public Service (Action 6.4)